Frozen snacks are quite popular in the U.S., but the category faces stiff competition from the salty snacks market, which thrived during the recession. Quick service restaurants (QSRs) also pose a formidable challenge in that many chains have introduced and spent lavishly to promote products similar to the most popular frozen snacks that can be purchased at thousands of convenient locations across the nation for less than $2. This highly competitive context—especially when combined with a customer base that has been disproportionately impacted by the recession—is serving to drive down sales of many brands.

However, there is some indication that there are substantial growth opportunities for companies that undertake new product development or refinement initiatives that are keenly focused on the preferences of high value consumer segments.

In order to provide data, as well as insight that can be used to optimize product design and brand positioning, Mintel has published this comprehensive analysis of the Frozen Snacks market in the U.S. which addresses the following questions:

How have sales of frozen snacks fluctuated in recent years and how are they expected to change in the next five years?

How are macro-level economic forces and competitive threats from QSRs and other snack categories impacting sales of frozen snacks?

What types of frozen snacks are performing well, and why?

Which are the leading manufacturers and brands in the frozen snacks category?

How has usage of frozen snacks fluctuated in recent years?

What segments of the population over-index and under-index on use of frozen snacks?

Where do consumers typically purchase frozen snacks and which channels are displaying the most growth in sales?

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What's included

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Table of contents

Scope and Themes

What you need to know

Definition

Data sources

Market data

Consumer survey data

Video Advertising Creative

Abbreviations and terms

Abbreviations

Terms

Executive Summary

Market size and forecast

Market drivers

Competitive context

Segment performance—frozen handheld entrées

Segment performance—frozen appetizers/snack rolls

Segment performance—frozen pretzels

Retail channels

Leading companies

Incidence of eating frozen snacks

Types and frequency of frozen snacks eaten

Impact of recession on consumption of frozen snacks

Interest in different types of frozen snacks

Source of frozen snacks—type of retailer

Attitudes and opinions related to frozen snacks

Impact of race and Hispanic origin

Insights and Opportunities

Possibility for gain with new vegetable-based, BFY options

Exploring customizable family variety packs

Inspire Insights—Trend: Diversity is All

Market Size and Forecast

Key points

Weak economy and slowdown in new product launches drive sales decline

Sales and forecast of frozen snacks

Figure 1: FDMx sales and forecast of frozen snacks, at current prices, 2005-15